A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Montpellier?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Montpellier can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Montpellier are about the same size, Messina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Messina is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Messina different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier and Messina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Messina or Montpellier?

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Montpellier.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Montpellier has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Montpellier?

Montpellier is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Families?

Messina is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Montpellier is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is renowned for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a very popular city for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Is Messina or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Messina and Montpellier both are very good when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Montpellier is a very walkable port city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Messina?

How long in Messina or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Messina. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

Families should spend more time in Messina than Montpellier. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Messina, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Messina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montpellier that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Messina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Montpellier.

One day in Messina or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling port city of Messina. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Montpellier?

The historic port city of Messina offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Montpellier, we can see that Messina is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Messina Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Montpellier?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Montpellier, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Messina or Montpellier?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Messina is a little warmer than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montpellier. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Montpellier. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Messina